Many families donate during the holiday season. This year, take it a few step further. Follow the five tips below to help your kids truly FEEL the joy of giving.
Holiday chaos is in full swing. Take a break from the hustle and bustle, use this opportunity to teach your child about the joy of giving. Many organizations offer programs in which you can "adopt a child for the holidays." This is a great opportunity for experiencing the joy one-to-one giving. This season our family adopted a set of sisters who are two and four.
Below you'll find five simple tips on making a donation experience like this truly meaningful to your little one.
1| Find a way to help locally
Finding a child to help in your own community brings the experience closer to home. Search for opportunities online, check your child's school for an initiative or keep your eyes open at the mall for giving trees.
2 | Request a child around the same age as yours
Giving to a child of the same age allows your little one to relate and connect with the experience on a deeper level.
3 | Ask for a first name
Donating money to charities can be an abstract concept for young children. Sharing the name of the child you are donating to will make them "real" in your child's mind. Generally, organizations will provide a first name if you request it.
4 | Let your kids do the shopping
Involve your child at every step of the process. Many organizations will provide a list of requested items, some simply give a requested donation amount. Our two adopted girls requested baby dolls, blocks, and kitchen pots. I simply opened up the Melissa & Doug website and let them fill the cart with suggestions. As a mom of two young girls myself, it felt good knowing we were providing them quality toys that engage their imagination.
5 | Let your child prep the items
If your items require wrapping, as ours did, have your child prep the packages. Have your child go with you to drop the items off for donations. Something as simple as letting them carry the box to the donation site can be a very powerful experience for a child.
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This is such a great opportunity. Take the time to make it a priority and get your kids involved.
P.S. Remember this proverb — Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand.
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